Issues → September 2006 → Feature Stories →
New England Today
The Gun That Built Hartford
"The good people of this world are very far from being satisfied with each other, and my arms are the best peacemakers," wrote Samuel Colt in 1852. Not exactly a Gandhi-esque philosophy, but it shouldn't prevent you from taking a look at "Samuel Colt: Arms, Art, and Invention" (Yale University Press, $65). The book was produced in conjunction with Hartford's Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. More than just a catalog of Colt-designed weapons, the book provides a rare glimpse into the life of one of the world's most inventive and enterprising men of the 19th century. To celebrate the book, a special exhibition will open at the museum on September 20. wadsworthatheneum.org
Three Soldiers Shoot One Unforgettable Movie
One of the most praised films and winner of the Best International Documentary competition at this year's Tribeca Film Festival was "The War Tapes," a story that follows three New Hampshire National Guardsmen as they slog their way through a year on the front lines in Iraq. Each soldier uses a video camera to record both the horror of war and his comments. Meanwhile, Goshen, New Hampshire, director Deborah Scranton and her crew filmed the day-to-day lives of the people the soldiers left at home. New York Times film critic Stephen Holden writes: "Once encountered, you will never forget these three -- Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi, and Specialist Mike Moriarty -- or their loved ones. They're the bedrock of who we are as a nation." thewartapes.com
The Cardboard Rescuer
Sometimes you wander into an art gallery and find creativity so intense and fun that you just watch in awe. Not long ago at the Sharon Arts Center in downtown Peterborough, New Hampshire (about seven miles from Yankee's offices), we found the place abuzz with dozens of local schoolchildren awash in this intangible process we call genius. Under the tutelage of Connecticut artist James Grashow, the group turned pounds of cut-up cardboard into a walk-through aquarium. On his Web site, Grashow writes: "I am convinced there is a link between corrugated cardboard and creativity.... Rescued from trash, it asks only, 'What do you want me to be?' Corrugated board is the DNA of creativity. Boxes, glue, tape, knives, and a group of willing people can create anything. And have a great time doing it." jamesgrashow.com
Finding Baseball's Heart
Now that the boys of summer are heading into fall, there comes a fine and insightful book for all ages. "A Coach's Letter to His Son" (Creative Editions, $18.95) is more about father-son relationships than baseball itself, and it will touch anyone who has ever played ball with his dad. Mel Allen, who's been an editor at Yankee for more than 25 years, wrote this lovely volume; John Thompson, winner of the 2006 Hamilton King Award -- the highest achievement an illustrator can receive -- illustrated the book. Mel has, as Yankee readers know, a way with words. He doesn't disappoint here. To learn more, visit thecreativecompany.us.
Not Your Common Cold
The residents of Boston's South End may be getting some nasty new neighbors soon: Boston University Medical Center recently received $128 million in federal money to build its National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, slated to do research on the world's deadliest microbes, including Ebola and anthrax. When they'll actually start coming to town is as yet undetermined; in May, the Conservation Law Foundation filed suit to stop federal funding for the facility.
Still Golden After All These Years
Can it really be 25 years since "On Golden Pond" (much of which was filmed on New Hampshire's Big Squam Lake) touched our hearts on its way to winning three Academy Awards? Yes, and you can join the anniversary celebration this month at Plymouth State University. On September 22, the movie screens again. The next night the red carpet rolls out for guests to mingle with "On Golden Pond" playwright and screenwriter Ernest Thompson, director Mark Rydell, and composer Dave Grusin. Call 603-968-4494 or go to visitssquam.com for more information.
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